12 replies so far

Wow, I wouldn’t know where to start. This could be a very long class if you found one that did teach it though. I learned a lot about the different eras and styles through my classes in architecture.

I’d suggest just looking up different styles of furniture in Google and starting there. That could teach you a lot very quickly. Or you could post pictures of furniture you like here and we could probably identify the style and point you in the correct direction.

Thanks Doss. I figured a class was unlikely, but thought I’d ask. I never went to college so I wasn’t sure what might be out there in regards to this specific topic. Although I didn’t consider looking into architecture as a source for such knowledge. I know there’s a lot of books on that topic at my local library.

I also like the idea of starting with a particular style Loren. I’ve heard/seen Shaker quite a bit, although if asked to compare and contract with another style I’d be lost. Maybe I’ll start with that as my reference point and start doing comparisons against other styles I see.

Thanks for the ideas guys, and if anybody has anything else please let me know.

Thanks for the link. I’ve run across that site before, and I think it’s clipart drove me away at the time. Reading through it does look like a good starting point on things. Even if the accompanying graphics aren’t great, I can do some image searches to get better examples and delve deeper into wikipedia.

Don’t feel ignorant about not knowing everything there is to know about styles. There are so many with so many details that it’s nearly impossible to truly define their modern derivative due to the “cross-breeding” of styles. At most, try to take away the large details and a basic sense of their forms.

I specialize (as definition of my assessment of my knowledge) in mid-century modern, modern, minimalism, Scandinavian, Danish, and some of the influenced contemporary styles. They are all closely related but I still do not know everything about these styles. This is with roughly a decade of experience (though I don’t really approach the study of these styles as a scholar because I don’t feel that is necessary for what I use them for… my designs).

So, when you find a style you like, stick with it and try to find out as much as possible about it. It helps to learn about the eras that preceded and followed it (or may have run concurrently to it). This will help you relate details and realize differences. Remember that styles may define (or be defined by) an era and, as such, can be defined by several different forms, techniques, and even sub-styles due to the many notable designers that may have become associated with that era.

Magazines. Look at interior design and architecture magazines. Buying 5 or 6 of them will give you so much to look at and then you can focus in on the styles you prefer. Trying to get a general understanding of all, or many styles would require interior design classes

Thanks Rick, I’m placing an order for that book now. That’s one thing I was hoping for was an actual book recommendation!

Thanks CplSteel, I spent some time at the library today reading through a design book that gave lots of interesting info. As as added bonus I think I’ll end up becoming fluent in French if I keep reading those books. :)

Doss, I figure I have about 30+ good years left, so hopefully I’ll make some good progress in that amount of time. I’m not expecting to get there tomorrow or this week, just looking for a good direction, which I think I’ve gotten from all you folks. I’m just the kind of person that wants to learn everything about what I’m doing. And even though this is a hobby for me, it’s the main one so I’m going at it like it’s my actual profession.

Working with wood is simply an implementation of one idea. Many different types of wood are being used for art and craft work on wood. Rustic wood is the keyword, which is being used mostly for this purpose.